Written By: Coach Buckets @PreWarWesley
Bellevue, Nebraska — Bellevue West High School quarterback Will Anderson has officially committed to the University of Northern Iowa, choosing the Panthers after a heated recruiting battle involving schools from across the Midwest. The Platform sat down with Will to talk about his high school journey, off-season development, recruiting process, and what lies ahead.
Athlete Profile
Name: Will Anderson
School: Bellevue West High School (Omaha, NE)
Height: 6’3”
Weight: 205 lbs.
Position: Quarterback
Class: 2026
College Commitment: Northern Iowa
Coach Buckets: “Will, this is a moment I have been looking forward to since the first time I saw you play as a 15U athlete on the Warren Academy 18U 7v7 team. You dominated, and I knew right then you were going to be a quarterback schools would want to lead their program. I am proud of you. Congratulations on committing to UNI. I know you are going to be special.”
Will Anderson: “First, thank you so much for taking the time to reach out with these questions. I remember that tournament clearly, and when you came up to me afterward, it was a big moment for me. Playing up on 18U and dominating gave me the confidence that I belonged. That tournament really sparked something in me. It feels good to finally find a home at UNI after a long process.”
Coach Buckets: “Tell us more about who Will Anderson is.”
Will: “I am a quarterback who has always played with a chip on my shoulder. I treat every game like it is my last. I have always felt overlooked, so I had to work hard for everything. I am not done yet either. This is just the beginning. Off the field, I live with my mom. My parents divorced when I was young, and I had to deal with a lot growing up without a consistent father figure. I learned a lot on my own, but my mom has always been there and sacrificed so much. None of this would be possible without her.”
Coach Buckets: “Your mom definitely deserves that credit. She has kept me up to date on your tournaments, camps, and performances. She has done a tremendous job raising a great young man.”
Coach Buckets: “Let’s talk about last season. What were some highlights, and how did those moments fuel your offseason?”
Will: “Week one against Omaha Central stands out. It was my first start at Bellevue West, and we came back from being down by two scores in the second half to win. That was special. Week seven against Lincoln Southwest was probably my best performance of the year. We put up 28 in the first half. Against Westside, the score did not reflect how close the game really was. We outgained them in total offense, but special teams gave up some big plays. That game really motivated me to work even harder.”
Coach Buckets: “What do you bring to your team, both at Bellevue West and in the future at UNI, that separates you from other quarterbacks?”
Will: “I would say my ability to adapt. On and off the field, I try to understand how to lead each individual. Some guys need to be pushed hard. Others need to be pulled aside and talked through things calmly. I try to know my teammates and what works best for each of them.”
Coach Buckets: ‘That is an outstanding trait to develop early. Leadership requires understanding how to communicate with different people. That will serve you well in football and in life.”
Coach Buckets: “You chose to step back from 7v7 this year and focus more on camps. What led you to make that decision?”
Will: “I had to do what was best for my development and future. 7v7 is great, and I still practiced with Warren Academy, which is elite competition by itself. But I chose to stay back, train hard, and focus on schools that were seriously recruiting me. It helped me stay sharp without all the travel.”
Coach Buckets: “How did attending camps help boost your recruiting exposure?”
Will: “Attending camps allowed me to perform in front of the schools that were already focused on me. When you ball out at a camp, word spreads quickly, whether through media or other coaches. I just focused on performing and learning how different coaching styles fit me.”
Coach Buckets: “What has been your most significant improvement through camp experiences?”
Will: “Confidence. My mindset has changed completely. Every time I step on the field, I remind myself of my purpose and why I am there. I throw with more confidence, and I am always out there to prove something.”
Coach Buckets: “How have summer workouts and team camps been going?”
Will: “They have been great. We had our first week of team camp early in the summer and will finish our second after the Fourth of July. In the first week, a few of the younger guys and transfers were still getting comfortable, but the progress has been awesome. I think we have a strong group this year, and we are ready to surprise people.”
Coach Buckets: “Outside of camps and team workouts, what extra work are you putting in to prepare for a state title run?”
Will: “I am focused on building relationships. Developing that brotherhood is important to me. We are trying to create a culture where we play for each other. I have been organizing times for some of us to get together outside of practice. That connection shows up on the field.”
Coach Buckets: ‘Let’s talk about your commitment to UNI. What made that the right choice?”
Will: “The coaching staff was honest and consistent from the start. Coach Stepsis is a great coach. The whole staff, including the ones who came over from Drake, treated me well and made it feel like home. I also talked to some players and saw how close they were. That culture really stood out to me.”
Coach Buckets: “What do the UNI coaches see in you as their future quarterback?”
Will: “Coach Stepsis told me he values my athleticism and ability to extend plays. A lot of people don’t realize how quick I am. I ran a 4.6 at practice last week. He also said I throw a very catchable ball and can make any throw on the field. The relationship we built throughout the recruiting process was a huge part of why I committed.”
Coach Buckets: ‘What do you plan to study in college?’
Will: “I plan to major in Biology and pursue a career in Dentistry.”
Coach Buckets: “At DRSportz and The Platform, we are all about exposing the unexposed. Who are some of your Bellevue West teammates that deserve more recognition?”
Will: “Kairi Smith, Adrian Wilson, Bryce Johnson, and Dominic Berry. Those guys have been putting in the work all offseason. I think this year will be huge for them.”
Coach Buckets: “It has truly been an honor to watch your journey. I am proud of you and excited for your future. Congratulations, Will.”
Will: “Thank you for all the support along the way. I am not finished yet.”
Stay tuned to The Platform as we continue to follow the rising stars of tomorrow and spotlight athletes like Will Anderson, who prove that hard work, humility, and heart still define what it means.
